One of the Surfers Killed in Mexico Was Engaged to Be Married In August
Jack Carter Rhoad and his bride-to-be, Natalie Weirtz, were on track for an August wedding
One of the surfers who was found slain during a recent trip to Baja California, Mexico was engaged to be married this summer.
Brothers Jake Robinson, 30, and Callum Robinson, 33, traveled with their friend Jack Carter Rhoad, 30, in late April for a surfing trip. Their bodies were discovered in a well with gunshot wounds after they failed to show up at the accommodations they had booked in Rosarito.
A Zola online wedding registry states that Rhoad was set to tie the knot with Natalie Weirtz on Aug. 17 in Columbus, Ohio.
On the site, just below the date and option to RSVP, is a photo of the pair smiling as they walk hand-in-hand.
The couple intended to have a welcome party the evening before with family and friends.
“In the wake of the heartbreaking loss of Carter Rhoad, Callum Robinson, and Jake Robinson, our hearts ache with grief for their families, friends, and community,” organizer Aubrey Byers began in a GoFundMe account posted on Sunday, May 5.
“Their presence brought immeasurable joy, love, and kindness to those around them, leaving a mark on our lives.”
Byers identified herself as “a good friend of Carter and Natalie” before explaining the purpose of the page.
“We’ve created this GoFundMe page for two purposes: the first is to rally support for Natalie during this unimaginably difficult time and provide essentials such as housing, food, transportation, and more,” she wrote. “The second is to honor Carter by raising money for scholarships and donations he felt passionate about. No donation is too small, and every contribution is deeply appreciated.”
As of Monday, May 6, the GoFundMe had reached over $50,000 of its $250,000 goal.
A photo shared on the account showed Rhoad and Weirtz laughing together for an outdoor sunset photoshoot.
“If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing this page with your community. Together, we can continue to surround this family with the love and support they need to navigate this challenging journey. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and solidarity during this time of profound loss,” Byers concluded.
Jake, Callum and Rhoad were last seen surfing and camping along the Mexican coast, south of Ensenada on April 27.
On Friday, May 3, officials released a statement saying their bodies had been found at the bottom of a well, 50 feet deep in a desolate section of Santo Tomas, Baja California, per NBC San Diego.
According to the Associated Press, authorities believe the surfers were shot and killed because the assailants wanted the tires from the truck the victims had been driving.
Baja California’s chief state prosecutor María Elena Andrade Ramírez said during a press conference that the men were likely killed when they attempted to fight off the robbers.
While she did say that a fourth body was found in the well, she added, “There is a lot of important information that we can’t make public.”
